Cheeks Bend Bluff View Trail

Cheeks Bend Bluff View Trail is a 1.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Columbia, TN that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

1.9 miles278 feetOut & Back

dogs on leash

kid friendly

hiking

forest

river

views

My absolute favorite hiking location. Not for the faint of heart. Yes, there are snakes, bats, thorns, poison ivy and steep spots but the caves and waterfront are to die for. The first bit starts off rather lackluster but as you get closer to the water the plants come alive (particularly in the spring/summer) and the views are spectacular. Loads of butterflies, dragonflies, bees and other cool insect friends as well.

Not bad trail, view of the river wasn't as good as I expected. Nice Fall colors. Not super excited about almost stepping on a Timber Rattlesnake right on the trail. yes, we are in nature but having a HUGE dead tree in the middle of the trail provided a great home for a rattlesnake.

Cody B.

David T.

I live in Spring Hill TN and I hike continuously/or as much as my health allows. I am also an ole cave and rock climbing type guy, and I have explored all around the world. My point, the Cheeks Bend Bluff trial is my favorite hike within a 30 minute drive. It has everything for these old bones to enjoy. A great workout, beautiful scenery, wildlife, wild flower's, peace and quit, and a cave to hit my head in. Most importantly, it is a very good workout for the whole body, and one that all ages can enjoy. With strict supervision due to the high bluffs and river. For myself, I love it as I am a photo buff/free lancer, and it has all of my favorite features all rolled up into a 1.5 - 2 hour trail. Although I usually take longer as I am enjoying beauty! Please keep our Parks Clean and Trash Free!

The trailhead is a bit hard to tell when driving up. When you see a sign saying Duck River Complex and a Y in the road park, and a small red sign will lead you in. The hike to the loop is a rain runoff trail so plenty of flagstone navigating. Once you get towards the loop the adventure starts! Lots of cliffs and rocky areas to peel off the trail and explore. The views of the river are real nice too.

I hiked a short part of this last weekend with my 4 y/o grandson, but the trail was so wet and muddy (it was literally a running stream in most spots) that we abandoned the effort about a third of the way in. I went back with my wife this morning and conditions were much better and drier. We had a good time. We flushed a turkey from it's roost in a tree and it nearly scared us to death! Ha Ha! Never saw the caves, but we weren't too inclined to get off trail and wander about.